NYC Mayor Defends Knife-Wielding Suspect Over Police

Mamdani faces backlash for suggesting mental health treatment over prosecution for alleged attack on officers

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism for defending a 22-year-old man who was shot by police after allegedly charging at them with a knife during a mental health episode. Mamdani met with the suspect's family and argued he needs "mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution," sparking outrage from law enforcement and political commentators.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing debate over how law enforcement should respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, with some arguing for a greater emphasis on treatment and de-escalation rather than use of force. Mamdani's stance also raises questions about his priorities as mayor and his relationship with the NYPD.

The details

According to police, the family of 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty had requested an involuntary removal due to his mental health issues. When officers and EMS responded, Chakraborty allegedly charged at them with a large kitchen knife, leading to him being shot by police. The Queens district attorney's office is now investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting prosecutors may seek an indictment for attempted murder.

  • The incident occurred on February 9, 2026.
  • Mamdani met with Chakraborty's family and made his comments at a news conference last week.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is facing backlash for defending the knife-wielding suspect over the police officers.

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man who was shot by police after allegedly charging at them with a knife during a mental health episode.

Joey Jones

A co-host of "The Big Weekend Show" who criticized Mamdani's stance, saying the mayor is engaging in "malpractice" for his position.

Guy Benson

A Fox News contributor who argued that Mamdani's reaction shows he views the suspect, not the officer, as the primary victim.

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What they’re saying

“For Mamdani to take any position on this that would paint that police officer as doing anything but what you would teach in a course is malpractice for the position he holds, and I hope that someone holds him accountable for it.”

— Joey Jones, Co-host, "The Big Weekend Show" (Fox News)

“To then go in solidarity with the knife-wielder who ignored those orders from the police and to show up in that hospital room like he's the true victim in this rather than the police officer who finally fired his weapon in self-defense... It says everything about this mayor of this town, what he sees as his worldview, who he sees as victims and aggressors, and I don't think the movie gets better from here.”

— Guy Benson, Fox News Contributor (Fox News)

What’s next

The Queens district attorney's office is investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting prosecutors are considering an indictment for attempted murder against Chakraborty.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how law enforcement should respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, with some arguing for a greater emphasis on treatment and de-escalation rather than use of force. Mamdani's stance has drawn strong criticism from law enforcement and political commentators, raising questions about his priorities as mayor and his relationship with the NYPD.